Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, January 5th, 2024, 1:00 ET
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Network: CBS
Buffalo Bills
Quarterback
Mitchell Trubisky: Sit
The fantasy picture for the Bills in Week 18 is murky at best, but it looks like Mitchell Trubisky will be at QB for most of the game based on this quote by Sean McDermott. Trubisky can be safely left on fantasy benches, especially with how unclear the workload will be for the other key Bills players.
Running Back
Ray Davis: Start, Low-end RB2
Ty Johnson: FLEX Option, RB3
With Allen likely to rest, the writing is on the wall for James Cook to also take a breather and take very few snaps, if any. When Cook missed Week 6, we saw rookie Ray Davis handle 23 touches, so it’s likely Davis will be the workhorse in Week 18. Ty Johnson may also get a few snaps and should get some third-down work, but Davis is ranked higher due to a larger projected workload. He’s a decent back-end RB2, and Johnson could still surprise as a FLEX play, but that’s only recommended in PPR leagues.
Wide Receiver
Shakir/Coleman/Cooper: FLEX Option if Playing
Sit the Rest
Another case for fantasy championships ending before Week 18 lies in this positional group–we truly don’t know if any of Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, or Amari Cooper will play any meaningful snaps in Sunday’s game. Keep an eye on all reports leading up to game time if you own any of these players. My best guess is that Shakir and Cooper will sit almost the entire game, while Coleman may get some more reps so the Bills can see what they have in their rookie. Perhaps Mack Hollins will also be a desperation FLEX play if we get confirmation that the three starters are out, but I’d try to avoid this group.
Tight End
Sit Them All
Dalton Kincaid has been dealing with lingering injuries this season and will likely get the day off on Sunday. That may open up some room for Dawson Knox to be a viable streamer, but there are likely better options on your wire. Consider Knox a low-end TE2 if Kincaid does indeed sit.
New England Patriots
Quarterback
Drake Maye: Streaming Option, QB2
The matchup against the Bills secondary is tough on paper for Drake Maye, though it is likely we will see some starters rest for Buffalo. In his first matchup against the Bills this season, Maye threw for 261 yards and 2 TDs while also throwing a pick and losing a fumble. Maye is outside of our top 12 options this week, but if you have a player like Allen or Patrick Mahomes who will certainly be resting this week, Maye is a solid streamer with upside, thanks to his modest rushing ability.
Running Back
Antonio Gibson: FLEX Option, RB3
Rhamondre Stevenson: Sit
Last week’s “starting running back” debacle between Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson was incredibly frustrating for owners. While Stevenson got the “start” in Week 17, he only saw 2 carries to Gibson’s 12. It’s anyone’s best guess as to how this workload will be split against the Bills, but Gibson feels like the play more likely to return FLEX value. He’s still only a low-end FLEX play due to the uncertainty in this backfield, while Stevenson should be sat after only getting those 2 carries last week.
Wide Receiver
DeMario Douglas: FLEX Option, WR4
Kayshon Boutte: FLEX Option, WR4
While no pass-catcher has separated themselves as the alpha in this group, both DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte have some low-end FLEX appeal, with the Patriots apparently “playing to win” this game despite being in a position to grab the first overall pick. Both Douglas and Boutte should receive some modest target volume but have low ceilings in this matchup.
Tight End
Hunter Henry: Streaming Option, TE2
With a few stud TEs taking the week off, Hunter Henry finds himself back in the streaming ranks to finish the season. Henry laid an egg in Week 17 but has otherwise shown solid chemistry with his rookie QB and scored in their first matchup against the Bills in Week 16. If you need someone to fill Travis Kelce‘s spot in your lineup, Henry is a solid enough option on the TE1/2 borderline.